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Why are people hugging melons in China?

A pnda cuddles a winter melon at a zoo in China. Getty Images

LeheLedu Animal Theme Park in China introduced winter melons as part of measures to help animals cope with high summer temperatures

Can hugging a giant vegetable help you cool down?

In China, videos and photos shared online have shown babies, children and even pets cuddling huge winter melons during very hot weather.

More hot weather tips:

Winter melon hanging from a tree.Getty Images

Walking in a winter melon wonderland

It's being reported that the trend has come about because some people believe the melons help to cool them down.

A winter melon is a large green vegetable, also called a wax gourd, because its skin can look a bit waxy.

The melon is grown in hotter parts of Asia and is often used in soups and stir-fries. Unlike sweet melons, it is usually cooked rather than eaten in slices.

So why hug one?

A winter melon is big, heavy and full of water. Things with lots of water and weight can warm up slowly. That means a cool winter melon may take in some heat from your skin when you hold it.

Tell us the best ways you've managed to keep cool this summer, in the comments below.